Blog :

UK100 is supporting the development of a network of local leaders committed to climate action in Poland. The Mayors’ Network for Climate Solidarity was launched at Katowice during COP 24. With a pledge inspired by that of UK100, tailored to the circumstances in Poland, the network of Mayors is committed to LED lighting in their cities, and tackling the chronic air pollution that blights the country from coal fired heating and cooking. It has the backing of former Presidents Lech Walesa and Aleksander Kwaśniewski

Every area of the UK has the potential to develop clean, local energy projects that deliver better homes, improved transport, high quality jobs, carbon reductions and long-term financial returns. Local authorities are key to making this happen. They have a long-term interest in the success of their communities, but many face challenges in identifying projects, developing the business case for investment and securing relevant sources of finance.

This programme – supported by BEIS, and run by UK100 and the Leeds Climate Commission – seeks to address those challenges by bringing local authorities, developers and investors together. The aim is to accelerate the development of a pipeline of investor-ready clean energy projects.

We kicked off with the the first-ever national conference on financing the transition at as local level, aiming to unlock £2bn+ of clean, local energy projects in the UK. The conference connected local authorities with those ready to invest hundreds of millions of pounds in private finance. We heard from Claire Perry MP, minister for energy, and speakers including Barclays, Green Banking Council and Siemens, as well as local authority frontrunners who are developing innovating business models that are already transforming communities around the UK.

UK100 surveyed the attendees of the conference. The results point to the infrastructure and policy changes we need to speed up the transition to a low-carbon future.